Suspect Jailed After Hitting House With Car in Centralia, Leading Deputies on Chase

A man wanted on an outstanding warrant was arrested Monday after allegedly fleeing from deputies and striking a house with his car, according to court documents.

Gabriel Escamilla, 24, of Centralia, was charged Tuesday in Lewis County Superior Court with possession of heroin with intent to deliver, possession of methamphetamine and attempting to elude a pursuing police officer.

Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecutor Brad Meagher asked for $25,000 bail, citing Escamilla’s criminal history, which includes warrants on previous cases, and the facts of the current case.

“He’s alleged to have eluded officers, hit a house then got out of his car and ran … so I think there’s a bit of a flight risk here,” he said.

Superior Court Judge Andrew Toynbee agreed on proposed the bail amount and set Escamilla’s next court hearing for Sept. 7.

According to court documents, members of Lewis County’s Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team learned that Escamilla had a state Department of Corrections warrant for his arrest on Monday. DOC officers located Escamilla in a car in Centralia and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.

Escamilla allegedly sped away from police, running a stop sign and, unable to navigate a tight turn, hit a house off Woodland Avenue.

He then reportedly got out of the car and ran from officers “hopping over fences,” according to court documents. He was arrested after being found in the backyard of a residence on Atherton Street at about 6:30 p.m. Monday, according to Lewis County Jail records.

After being arrested, Escamilla was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, according to court documents.

Escamilla reportedly gave officers permission to search his vehicle. They reported finding heroin, a scale and plastic bags.